Online Master of Social Work Programs in New York
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a licensed clinical social worker in the state of New York, Keuka College's Master of Social Work program will put you on the right track to achieving your professional goals.
Pursuing your online Master of Social Work in New York is the perfect way to kickstart your career, and start making a difference in your community.
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130 Years of Quality Education
Top provider of BSW degrees in New York
Are You Considering a Master of Social Work in New York?
The #1 provider of social work degrees in the state of New York (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2019), Keuka College has been preparing the greatest number of BSW-prepared social workers across all New York schools.
Keuka College's Master of Social Work program is offered through two tracks - an advanced track and a traditional track.
MSCHE Accredited
CSWE Accredited
MSW - Traditional Track
- Program Length: 2.6 years
- Credit Hours: 60
- Field Hours: 900
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Next start: Summer 2025
MSW - Advanced Track
- Program Length: 1.7 years
- Credit Hours: 33
- Field Hours: 500
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Next start: Summer 2025
Online Master of Social Work Program Highlights
If you are considering a Master of Social Work in the state of New York, Keuka College’s online MSW program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, and includes:
- 100% online coursework
- CSWE-accredited clinical social work program
- Clinical program with field placements provided in your region
- Faculty are licensed social work practitioners who are active in the field
One of the benefits of earning a clinical MSW degree is its versatility. Keuka College’s MSW program will allow you to address the growing need in our society for mental health services and equip you with:
- Clinical mental health treatment skills
- Versatile social work knowledge that translates to a range of generalist roles and leadership positions
- Experience needed to work in a variety of fields, including mental health, addiction and substance abuse, and family and youth services
The Job Market for MSW Graduates in New York
The challenges of recent years have emphasized the need for well-trained, educated social work professionals. Statistics reinforce this reality. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates over 63,800 new social work job openings each year over the next decade. From 2022 to 2032 nationwide, the BLS projects:
- 7% growth in social worker positions
- 11% growth in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker positions
- 10% growth in Healthcare Social Worker positions
In New York, job prospects for social workers are on the rise. There are a variety of career opportunities available for MSW-equipped social workers in New York, including:
- Clinical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
(Social Workers: Occupational Outlook Handbook: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
New York Highlights
With a population of just over 20 million residents, New York is the 4th most populated state in America.
The state is divided up into 62 counties, which are then divided into cities and towns. The largest of these cities is New York City, which comprises a population of over 8.5 million residents. Home to Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, New York State is one of the economic capitals of the world, with a market capitalization of over $20 trillion.
After New York City, the most populous cities are Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, New Rochelle, Cheektowaga, Mount Vernon, and Schenectady. The state is a hotbed of social, economic, and political institutions, and contains a variety of industries that are in need of additional social workers, including veterans affairs and a wide range of hospitals and health centers. From St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse and the Tioga County Mental Health clinics to New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, health care makes up a significant portion of the state’s employers.
(2020 Census Apportionment Results, 2021)
(US Census Bureau QuickFacts: New York City, New York, n.d.)
(Largest Stock Exchange Operators by Market Cap, Statista, 2022, 2022)
(New York State - Jobzone, n.d.)
MSW Requirements for New York Residents
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.75 or higher, 3.0 or higher for Advanced Standing with BSW
- 2 Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Essay
- Personal Statement
- GRE is not required
Students residing in all states except Colorado may apply to Keuka College’s Online Master of Social Work program and can choose either the traditional or advanced track. Each state has its own rules and regulations related to professional licensure requirements, which are subject to state discretion. The student is responsible for staying up-to-date on state licensure requirements. Learn about New York’s federal licensure here.
Why Choose Keuka College?
Throughout our history, our goal has always been “to bring strength to our nation and to help humanity.” As the top provider of social work degrees in NY, we support strong character and intellectual development, and we align education to career goals through our curriculum and consistent modeling of honest and forthright behavior. By offering quality online classroom education and experiential learning opportunities, we help you fulfill your desire to make a difference to serve the nation and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, Email Your Enrollment Advisor.
Yes. The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation can improve your chances of licensure and career options through its standardization of educational criteria. Download our Assessment of Student Learning to learn more. Keuka College is a regionally accredited institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The traditional track is taken on a part-time basis and requires 60 credit hours, 900 field practicum hours, and can be completed in three years. The advanced track requires 33 credit hours and 500 field practicum hours. Students in New York on this track already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), therefore the foundational courses can be skipped, and the program can be completed in 1.7 years.
Rest assured, you will be educated by a committed faculty of clinicians, scholars, and peers who share your passion for providing mental health services in New York. All our educators are licensed social workers who practice in the field, many of whom are also active researchers advancing the field of social work.
Graduates with a master’s degree from our clinical-focused program can not only practice as mental health providers in private practice in New York, but this versatile degree translates well to many generalist roles and leadership positions within organizations. Example careers for MSW graduates include:
- Psychotherapist
- Substance abuse counselor
- Agency executive director/administrator
- School social worker
- Youth services advocate
- Medical social worker
- Family social worker
A Sample of Employers who have hired Keuka College MSW graduates
- CareFirst
- Care Manage for All, LLC
- Catholic Charities Oneida/Madison
- Cayuga Centers
- Cayuga Skilled Nursing
- Children's Home of Jefferson County
- Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Developmental Services, Inc. (CIDS)
- Contact Community Services
- Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency for Children’s Health Homes of Upstate New York
- Pathways, Inc.
- Pro Action of Steuben and Yates Inc
- Syracuse Jewish Family Services
- The House of the Good Shepherd
- The Salvation Army Syracuse Area Services
- The William George Agency for Children's Services Inc.
- Menorah Park of Central New York
- Tioga County Mental Health
Aspiring Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in New York must follow these steps:
- Fulfill the educational prerequisites
- Obtain LMSW licensure
- Gain the required number of hours in clinical experience
- Complete LCSW examination and application
- Maintain LCSW licensure
For more details, read Social Work Licensure in New York: All You Need to Know
“Keuka College has taken pride in delivering our social work programs to underserved areas across New York State. Previously, we were limited to offering our programs at various community colleges, but [with the online MSW] we are able to reach so many more students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.”
Social Work in New York: Resources and Further Reading
Social Work Licensure in New York: All You Need to Know
Are you aspiring to achieve New York social work licensure? Check out our comprehensive guide on licensure for social workers in New York.
How to Become a Social Worker in New York
Becoming a social worker in New York opens a door to so many opportunities in the region. Here in this article, we answered your questions about what becoming a social worker in New York looks like.
The 10 Best States to Be a Social Worker in 2024
What is the best state for social workers to begin their careers? Read on to learn which states have the highest compensation and career opportunities in 2024.
5 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with an MSW
What are the highest paying MSW jobs? Learn more in our blog.
